Our latest book (number 10) in the series Discover...on Foot has 11 interesting  walks in the area of Matala in the Prefecture of Phaistos. The walks start in Matala, Pitsidia, Sivas, Kamilari, Agios Ioannis and the Odigitrias Monastery and contains local historical information, beautiful pictures and clear maps.

Matala and the municipality of Phaistos are full of great landscapes, famous archaeological sites, impressive monasteries, wild rocky coastlines, beautiful gorges and has a rich history! As soon you set a few steps away from the known beach places you discover the “real Crete” and you discover so much more on foot than just driving through it!

In this booklet we try to show you the hidden corners of this area, accompanied with lots of extra (historical) information.

The walks in Matala and surrounding villages

The 11 walks give you a good impression of the interesting area in and around Matala. You can discover some spectacular paths along the coast with sandstone cliffs, hidden churches and an impressive monastery. There are many archaeological sites in the area with of course Phaistos being the most famous! The walks in this booklet bring you along the Minoan site of Agia Triada and a Minoan Tomb. Further, you discover a fantastic shop with aromatic herbs and also two impressive gorges! During these walks you can enjoy the breath-taking views on the Messara Bay and valley, the Ida Mountains and the Paximadia Islands. A few walks start at Matala itself and the others start at nearby neighbouring villages like Pitsidia, Kamilari, Sivas, Agios Ioannis and the Monastery of Odigitria. 

In general, the walks are not so difficult, so you don’t have to be an experienced walker. A few walks are slightly longer and more challenging.

Example pages and pictures